My Solar Powered Coop

[rootes]

Thanks.

I was thinking maybe some adhesive-backed rolled roofing like ice-guard possibly too. Something to permanently keep the chickens away from it.

Maybe even fiberglass patch. I've had a number of people giving me ideas.

I'm going to see how it all works and try something after I have a better handle on things.

Thank you for the suggestion!

Take Care,

Tim

 

[rootes]

It has only been a few days now with the heat on the waterer, but it seems to be working well.
The chickens are not pecking at anything and the water is not frozen despite the cold.
The lights come on and off.  The timers are working. 

Can't wait for the middle of January!

I started with the chickens because I wanted to be able to control a little of the food we eat.  Just knowing where it comes from and what goes into the birds makes for a much more enjoyable meal.

Adding the solar gives a new sense of independence to the whole thing that I had not anticipated.  While I appreciate everything Ohio Edison does to provide us with our electricity, it certainly is nice to have the chickens' needs all taken care of and NOT be getting a bill from anyone every month.

I think initially the cost of everything was a little off-putting, but my budget allowed for some experimentation.

Now, I would do it again and would find the money if I didn't have it. 

I think that everything we do, from turning off a light we are not using, to using more efficient bulbs and appliances, all the way to full-blown solar, helps our country's infrastructure and ultimately gives us more control over how we live and how the future will look.

It feels good to know a little more about the solar power.  I hope to apply this experience to a wider application.

Take Care,

Tim

 

[sueandthe6]

this is fabulous! just got the bug to get some kind of electric to the coop and routing from the house isn't an option. THis looks simple enough that I might be bale to pull it off- or at least help someone a lot so as to cut down on what it costs me to get it up and running. My food and water is outside under a roof because the coop itself is only about 4x4 and only maybe 5 ft tall at the point of the roof. It is attached to a huge run and they free range several times a week but I have 7 birds so feel they need all the rom in the coop for rooting and nest boxes. will have to figure out how to hide the cords to the waterers to keep the girls from pecking but everything else looks very doable in my world.

 

[rootes]

Update:

The lights are working well with the timers. I've experienced the timer sticking a bit from time to time so I ordered a weather resistant cover just as a precaution. I'm not sure if it will help, but it's only $4, so why not?

The timer for the water heater is functioning well and does not seem to stick at all. So, maybe my light timer is just a little finicky.

Egg production is soaring and almost to normal.




The water remains unfrozen despite very cold evening temps. It has been mild during the day. The real test of my little heater will no doubt come in January and February.

Happy, healthy chickens all laying, eating and pooping.

All seems to be right with the universe, at least for this moment!

Take Care,

Tim

 

[finnfur]

Dynamite idea - gave me some ideas so in winter don't need to run extension cords to the mobile trailer coops and mount on skid
and move with tractor forks;
Some thoughts
1.:buy a plug in receptacle that comes on at 35 degrees , fairly inexpensive. This would save drawing power when temperatures don't require it.
2. Put the heating element on 2 gal bucket with water nipples installed . Hang at height the chickens can only get to bottom.Cord can run down hanging chain with a plug where it connects to bucket handle. No garbage scratched in water and can be removed easy for cleaning.

Great idea and thanks for posting

 

[dogfish7]

Some very good ideas! Already have a solar collector and storage unit.

 

[RonP]

Do you know how much power you will use daily, and most importantly, how long without sunlight will this system's power will last?

I have to wonder.

Here we will often see several consecutive days with complete cloud coverage.

 

[rootes]

Same questions I have.

I'm waiting on the amperage for the heat pad and then I'll do the calculations.

The good thing is that cloudy days still produce power through the panel. The lights are no problem because they draw so little power. The batteries could handle the lights for a couple weeks without any charge. The panel produces 230 watts at its peak. The lights use 15 watts per hour and almost no amperage.

The question is the heater and I need the amperage from the manufacturer. Waiting on that number. Then I'll do the calculations and see.

I'm adding an outside 10w light and a 10w light with a motion sensor. The first one will be on when the other lights are on to light up the run. The motion sensor light is to help with predators.

Moving everything over to a larger coop and run tomorrow.

Take care,

Tim

 

[bigmrg74]

Same questions I have.

I'm waiting on the amperage for the heat pad and then I'll do the calculations.

Is that going to be a chicken tractor or just a run??

 

[rootes]

It is intended to be a run that is semi-portable. It is 16 feet long, 8 feet wide and 7'-6" tall. The run is attached to a new-to-me coop which is 8' x 4'.

Both will need to be moved from time to time as I develop the property.

Still some predator prevention to do with the run. Then I'll move the solar and move the birds.

Going to use my smaller coop/run for meat
Birds in the Spring time.

Take care.

Tim